The prototypical quarterback is usually defined to be 6-foot-3 or taller, at least 220 pounds, good athleticism with his footwork and quickness, passing accuracy, a strong arm, and a good mental approach to lead his team. Andy McAlindon fits this laundry list of ideal quarterbacking traits.
At 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, McAlindon has been playing football since he was a freshman and has been the varsity starter for the Serra High Padres since his junior year. This Padre can run 4.76 seconds in the 40-yard dash, has a shuttle time of 4.24 seconds, can bench press 250 pounds, squat 345 pounds, has a vertical of 30 inches, and can long throw 60 yards. He models his game after former Delaware Joe Flacco because McAlindon has similar size and traits as Flacco. In addition, the Serra High quarterback is good at managing a game for his team's offense.
This Padre considers his football strengths to be his good footwork and strong arm. Serra runs a dual-threat option style offense. As a result, McAlindon can run the ball or pull it back to throw in the pocket. Serra High Coach Patrick Walsh says, "Andy's size and footwork to accompany his size are his strengths. You can't coach some things and height, being able to see over the line, is one of them! Andy is our leader on offense. The team looks to him for leadership. He has shown the ability this season to make plays when things break down which has been great for our offense. On any football team, the team goes as the QB goes. So, we go as Andy goes. He has improved drastically since his junior year but I still know there is much left in his tank."
McAlindon showed his mental toughness and leadership in the first two games of this season. In the first game, Serra lost their home opener to De La Salle 45-7. The game could have set the tone for the team as the Padres next game was against a formidable Monte Vista team. McAlindon led his team as they rallied to beat Monte Vista 28-21. His team goal for his senior year is to win WCAL and the CCS Open Division.
A-Mac, what his teammates call him, leads a strong running game with fullback Alex Bravo and running back Erich Wilson behind him. As a result, the Padres seem to lean on the running game more. McAlindon has shown his ability to run as one would not expect that from a 6-foot-5 quarterback. In addition, he has shown his elusiveness and toughness on the run as he does not shy away from the defense's physical contact. When McAlindon needs to make the throw, he is often accurate and crisp with it.
With his prototypical quarterback size, he is getting looks from Idaho and Vanderbilt. McAlindon wants to attend a school that is a solid program that will develop his game for the next level. He does not have a strict geographical preference but does want the school to have good academics. Academically, McAlindon has a 3.10 GPA with a 1550 SAT. Coach Walsh says, "I think Andy has the opportunity to be a Division I quarterback. He has the intangibles that you can't coach and has tremendous upside."
During his free time, McAlindon likes to go fish for trout at San Pablo Reservoir in the East Bay. Coach Walsh says, "Andy is a very likeable kid. The kids and team are drawn to him. He is a very visible individual on our campus. He asks a ton of questions and wants to be the best he can be. He watches film after every practice." Watch for A-Mac to attack in the rest of the WCAL season.
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